Keyboard sled with rotating screen

ABSTRACT

A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system. The keyboard sled also adds input functionality to the portable computer system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims the benefit ofapplication Ser. No. 10/896,153 entitled “Keyboard Sled With RotatingScreen,” by Lam filed on Jul. 20, 2004, which is incorporated herein byreference, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,356, which is a continuation of andclaims the benefit of application Ser. No. 09/844,543 entitled “KeyboardSled With Rotating Screen,” by Lam filed on Apr. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,795,304.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable computer systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides an mechanism for receivingportable computer systems and which provides user interoperability tothe portable computer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Continued advancements in technology have enabled the furtherminiaturization of the components required to build computer systems,creating new categories of computer systems. One of the newer categoriesof computer systems developed has been the portable, hand held, or“palmtop” computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistantor PDA. Other examples of a palmtop computer system include electronicaddress books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and thelike. Many corporations have developed and are currently marketing theirindividual PDAs.

A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be heldin the user's hand and as such is “palm-sized.” As a result, palmtopsare readily carried about in the user's briefcase, purse, and in someinstances, in the user's pocket. The palmtop computer, being inherentlylightweight by virtue of its size, is therefore exceptionally portableand convenient.

While the continued miniaturization of computer systems enables a userto now carry in their pocket the equivalent of a computer system thatonce occupied an entire room, it is the miniaturization that has alsoreduced some of the functionality of the palmtop computer system. Tosupport the diminutive form factor of the palmtop computer, certainfunctions and components normally associated with full sized computershave been reduced or eliminated.

One of the components whose functionality has been reduced is the inputdevice or keyboard. To comply with the diminutive form factor, a fullsized keyboard is not employed. A handwriting recognition system wasdeveloped to provide a way for a user to input alphabetic and numericcharacters into the portable computer system. To input a numeric oralphabetic character, a user would be required to physically perform,upon a handwriting recognition pad, a specific writing stroke or acombination of writing strokes. The writing stroke is mandated by thedeveloper of the handwriting recognition system, and as such, a portablecomputer system manufactured by one company may have different writingstrokes than another portable computer system manufactured by adifferent company. Accordingly, a user would need to memorize thewriting strokes for most of the alphanumeric characters, or at leasthave a writing stroke chart readily available to which to refer, beforebeing able to enter data. While this attempt does provide an effectiveway for many users to input alphanumeric characters, it can be asomewhat slow process for others. As such, this method is notparticularly well suited for a user who desires to enter substantialamounts of data.

In addition to the handwriting recognition system, as mentioned above,manufacturers also developed an alphanumeric touch screen. In thisattempt to provide a way for a user to input data, a user activates asmall screen that displays a graphical representation of a keyboard.Because of the small display screen utilized in the portable computersystem, three separate representations, each consisting of portions of afull sized keyboard are generally necessary. For example, when a userwas to input text, an alphabetic keyboard portion would be used. Toinput a letter, a user would touch, with an approved stylus or otherscreen touching device, the appropriate letter displayed on the viewingscreen, thereby selecting that letter, and that letter would then bedisplayed on the viewing screen. A user would perform the same processfor each letter.

Further, when that same user needed to input numerical data, the userwould switch from the alphabetic keyboard to the numerical keyboard toenter the required numbers, and then switch back to the alphabetickeyboard to continue with the inputting of alphabetic data. Whenpunctuation such as, e.g., an exclamation point is needed, the user wasrequired to switch to the keyboard that contained the punctuation. Whilethis attempt also provides an effective way for many users to inputalphanumeric characters, it can be a somewhat slow process for others.As such, this method is not particularly well suited for a user whodesires to enter substantial amounts of data.

In another attempt, a miniature keyboard was developed which was adaptedinto the form factor of the portable computer system. Unfortunately,because this miniature keyboard was so small, as were the keys, it wasdifficult to input data. Additionally, using any more than one finger ata time was difficult, given the tiny surface on which the keys weredisposed. Further, because of the miniature size of the keyboard, a userwould be required to contort their wrists and arms into uncomfortablepositions to input the data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus that is coupled to and provides aconvenient and simple way for a user to input data into a portablecomputer system. An additional need exists for an apparatus that meetsthe above listed objective and which provides full sized keyboardfunctionality to a portable computer system. An additional need existsfor an apparatus which meets the above listed objectives and whichprovides for proper ergonomic positioning of the keyboard relative tothe user.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will nodoubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after havingread the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentswhich are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

The present invention provides a sled device that is adapted to becoupled with a portable computer system and adds input capability to thedevice. The present invention further provides, in one embodiment, anapparatus that achieves the above listed functionality and which furtherprovides normal sized inputting functionality to a portable computersystem. The present invention further provides an apparatus that has theabove listed functionality, and which provides full sized keyboardfunctionality to a portable computer system. Further, the presentinvention also provides an apparatus which achieves the above listedfunctionality, and which further provides the apparatus in anergonomically designed configuration, thereby decreasing the occurrenceof user discomfort.

More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus that isadapted to be communicatively coupled with a portable computer system.In one embodiment, the present invention includes a keyboard sled. Thekeyboard sled has a receiving portion configured to receive a portablecomputer system that is in a landscape (horizontal) orientation. Theportable computer system has a display orientation controller forcontrolling the orientation of the display. In the present embodiment,the keyboard sled further has an interface connector disposed within thereceiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link betweenthe keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portablecomputer system has been inserted into the receiving portion. Thekeyboard sled is also has a mounting hook within the receiving portion.The mounting hook is for providing positive retention of the portablecomputer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. The keyboard sledfurther has a keyboard portion coupled with the interface connector forproviding input keys. In one embodiment, the keyboard portion hasalphanumeric input keys. In another embodiment, the keyboard portion hasnumeric input keys. In present embodiment, the keyboard sled may also beconfigured with a wireless modem for communication functionality. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard sled can beconfigured to provide gaming controls. The keyboard sled is has a datastorage access slot disposed integral of the keyboard sled. The datastorage access slot is adapted to provide access to a data storagedevice receptacle of the portable computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment includinga portable computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a portable computer system connected toother computers and the Internet via a cradle device, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front angled perspective view of a portable computer systemconfigured with a removable front cover, upon which embodiments of thepresent invention may be practiced, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear angled perspective view of the portable computer systemof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the circuits and components of the portablecomputer system of FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a front angled perspective view of a keyboard receiving sled,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front angled perspective view of a keyboard receiving sled,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front angled perspective view of a gaming receiving sled, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the circuits and components of the presentinvention, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for receiving a portable computer system is described. Inthe following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the present invention.

Exemplary Platform

The present invention is discussed primarily in the context of aportable computer system, such as a palmtop or personal digitalassistant. However, it is appreciated that the present invention can beused with other types of portable electronic devices that have thecapability to access some type of central device or central site,including but not limited to palmtop computer systems, pagers cellularphones, etc.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment 50including a portable computer system 100 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Portable computer system 100 isalso known as a palmtop or palm-sized computer system. In oneembodiment, portable computer system 100 has the ability to transmit andreceive data and information over a wireless communication interface(e.g., a radio interface). For purposes of the present application, theterm “portable computer system” is not intended to be limited solely toconventional palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term “portablecomputer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include anymobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are notlimited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones,electronic address books, and numerous other mobile devices which mayhave the ability to wirelessly communicate with a network. As such, forpurposes of the present application, the terms “portable computer” and“mobile device” will be considered synonymous and will be usedinterchangeably.

Base station 32 can be both a transmitter and receiver base station,which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing publictelephone network 34. Implemented in this manner, base station 32enables portable computer system 100 to communicate with a proxy servercomputer system 36, which is coupled by wire to the existing publictelephone network 34. Furthermore, proxy server computer system 36 iscoupled to the Internet 52, thereby enabling portable computer system100 to communicate with the Internet 52. When communicating with a Website over Internet 52, protocols such as CTP (Compact TransportProtocol), WAP (Wireless Markup Protocol), and markup languages such asCML (Compact Markup Language), WML (Wireless Markup Language) whichincludes HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language), and XML (ExtensibleMarkup Language) can be used by portable computer system 100 in thepresent embodiment.

It should be appreciated that one of the functions of proxy server 36 isto perform operations over the Internet 52 on behalf of portablecomputer system 100. For example, proxy server 36 has a particularInternet address and acts as a proxy device for portable computer system100 over the Internet 52.

It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of acommunications network may be utilized in accordance with the presentinvention. For example, a wireless connection may be made from portablecomputer system 100 directly to the Internet 52.

The data and information which are communicated between base station 32and portable computer system 100 are the same type of information anddata that can conventionally be transferred and received over a publictelephone wire network system. Additionally, in FIG. 1A, the existingtelephone network could also be a packet-based network, utilized by someconventional portable computer systems. However, a wirelesscommunication interface is utilized to communicate data and informationbetween portable computer system 100 and base station 32. Furthermore,nearly any wireless network can support the functionality to bedisclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of a system 51 that can be usedin conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. System51 comprises a host computer system 56 which can either be a desktopunit as shown, or, alternatively, can be a laptop system 58. Optionally,one or more host computer systems can be used within system 51. Hostcomputer systems 58 and 56 are shown connected to a communication bus54, which in one embodiment can be a serial communication bus, but couldbe of any of a number of well known designs, e.g., a parallel bus,Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN), etc. Optionally, bus 54 can providecommunication with the Internet 52 using a number of well-knownprotocols.

Importantly, bus 54 is also coupled to a cradle 60 for receiving andinitiating communication with portable computer system 100. Cradle 60provides an electrical and mechanical communication interface betweenbus 54 (and anything coupled to bus 54) and the computer system 100 fortwo-way communications. Portable computer system 100 may instead becoupled to host computer systems 56 and 58 via a wireless (radio)connection. Computer system 100 also contains a wireless infraredcommunication mechanism 64 for sending and receiving information fromother devices. Additionally, in FIG. 1B, the existing telephone networkcould also be a packet-based network, utilized by some conventionalportable computer systems.

With reference to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is appreciated that portablecomputer system 100 can be used in a network environment combiningelements of networks 50 and 51. That is, as will be seen below, portablecomputer system 100 can include both a wireless infrared communicationmechanism and a signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device.

FIG. 2 is a front angled perspective view of the top face of a portablecomputer system 100, upon which embodiments of the present invention maybe practiced. The top face 100 a contains a flat panel display screen105 surrounded by a bezel or cover. A removable stylus 80 is disposedalong the right side edge of portable computer system, but by virtue ofthe angle of the illustration, is not visible. The display screen 105 isa touch screen able to register contact between the screen and the tipof stylus 80. Stylus 80 can be of nearly any material to make contactwith screen 105. The top face 100 a also contains one or more dedicatedand/or programmable buttons 75 for selecting information and causing theportable computer system to implement functions. The on/off button 95 isalso shown.

Still referring to FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that in oneembodiment, portable computer system 100 may be configured with aremovable front cover 175. Front cover 175 is adapted to provideprotection against damage to display screen 105. Front cover 175 mayrotate as shown by the arrow, about the axis, or hinge, as shown in FIG.2. Also shown is communication interface connector 180. In oneembodiment of the present invention, communication interface 180 is aserial communication port, but could also alternatively be of any of anumber of well-know communication standards and protocols such as, e.g.,parallel, SCSI (small computer system interface), Firewire (IEEE 1394)Ethernet, USB, or a bullet type communication interface.

FIG. 3 is a rear angled perspective view of the bottom side 100B ofportable computer system 100 upon which embodiments of the presentinvention may be practiced. An extendible antenna 85 is shown as isstylus 80. Communication interface 180, analogous to communicationinterface 180 of FIG. 2 is shown. Battery storage compartment door 90and portable computer system mounting hook receiving slots 120 a and 120b are shown. Shown is front cover 175, analogous to front cover 175 ofFIG. 2.

Still referring to FIG. 3, also shown is optional data storage devicereceptacle 140, adapted to receive optional data storage devices suchas, e.g., secure digital (SD) cards, multimedia cards (MMC), memorysticks, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates circuitry of portable computer system 100. Portablecomputer system 100 includes an address/data bus 110 for communicatinginformation, a central processor 101 coupled with the bus for processinginformation and instructions, a volatile memory 102 (e.g., random accessmemory, RAM) coupled with the bus 110 for storing information andinstructions for the central processor 101 and a non-volatile memory 103(e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with the bus 110 for storingstatic information and instructions for the processor 101. Computersystem 100 also includes an optional data storage device 104 (e.g., SD(secure digital) cards) coupled with the bus 110 for storing informationand instructions. Device 104 can be removable. As described above,computer system 100 also contains a display device 105 coupled to thebus 110 for displaying information to the computer user.

With reference still to FIG. 4, computer system 100 also includes asignal transmitter/receiver device 108, which is coupled to bus 110 forproviding a physical communication link between computer system 100, anda network environment (e.g., network environments 50 and 51 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, respectively). As such, signal transmitter/receiver device 108enables central processor unit 101 to communicate wirelessly with otherelectronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated thatwithin the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device 108 iscoupled to antenna 85 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and provides the functionality totransmit and receive information over a wireless communicationinterface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodimentof signal transmitter/receiver device 108 is well suited to beimplemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signaltransmitter/receiver device 108 could be implemented as a modem.

In one embodiment, computer system 100 includes a communication circuit109 coupled to bus 110. Communication circuit 109 includes an optionaldigital signal processor (DSP) 120 for processing data to be transmittedor data that are received via signal transmitter/receiver device 108.Alternatively, processor 101 can perform some or all of the functionsperformed by DSP 120.

Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 4 is an optionalalphanumeric input device 106 that in one implementation is ahandwriting recognition pad and buttons. Alphanumeric input device 106can communicate information and command selections to processor 101.Computer system 100 also includes an optional cursor control ordirecting device (on-screen cursor control 107) coupled to bus 110 forcommunicating user input information and command selections to processor101. In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device 107 is atouch screen device incorporated with display device 105. On-screencursor control device 107 is capable of registering a position ondisplay device 105 where the stylus makes contact. Display device 105 issuitable for generating graphic images and alphanumeric charactersrecognizable to the user. In the preferred embodiment, display device105 is a flat panel display.

Still referring to FIG. 4, also shown is display orientation controller150. Orientation controller 150 is configured to control the orientationof display screen 105, thereby providing both portrait type (vertical)and landscape type (horizontal) viewing enablement to portable computersystem 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, orientationcontroller 150 is an automatic sensing controller, such that, regardlessof the orientation of the display screen 105, the controller properlyorients the data. In one example, when portable computer system isoriented in a portrait mode, the data displayed is in the usual andcustomary vertical mode. When the computer system is oriented in alandscape mode, the data displayed is reoriented to be readable, as in avertical mode, but with the display horizontal.

In another embodiment of the present invention, display orientationcontroller 150 is a switch activated type controller. In the presentembodiment, a dedicated and/or programmable button 75, (shown in FIG.2), or a combination thereof, is/are configured to initiatereorientation of the display screen 105. In one example, a portablecomputer system 100, having viewable data, is rotated from a portrait(vertical) orientation to a landscape (horizontal) orientation. Theviewable data appears in a sideways manner, analogous to a printed textpage being held horizontally. A user would press programmable button(s)75 which would activate display orientation controller 150, and theviewable data would be reoriented so as to be easily readable in avertical manner, although the display screen is still in a horizontalmode. If the display screen is reoriented to a vertical mode, pressingprogrammable button(s) 75 again would orient the viewable data to theoriginal vertical mode.

FIG. 5 is a front angled perspective illustrated view of keyboard sled2001, one embodiment of the present invention. Portable computer system100, analogous to the portable computer system 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3 isdisposed above keyboard sled 2001 and positioned to be coupled tokeyboard sled 2001. In this embodiment, portable computer system 100 isoriented in a landscape (horizontal) mode. Because of displayorientation controller 150, the data displayed on display screen 105 iseasily readable.

In this embodiment of the present invention, keyboard sled 2001 is shownto include receiving portion 2000, which is adapted to receive aportable computer system in a landscape (horizontal) orientation. Alsoshown is interface connector 181, adapted to be coupled with interfaceconnector 180 of portable computer system 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3), andconfigured to provide the communicative link between keyboard sled 2001and portable computer system 100. Also shown are mounting hooks 121 aand 121 b, which are adapted to provide retentive functionality tokeyboard receiving sled 2001. For example, when portable computer system100 is coupled with keyboard sled 2001, mounting hooks 121 a and 121 bare disposed such that they are insertable into mounting hook receivingslots 120 a and 120 b of FIG. 3. This provides positive retention of 100portable computer system, thereby preventing portable computer system100 from becoming inadvertently disengaged from keyboard receiving sled2001.

Still referring to FIG. 5, shown is keyboard portion 500, which in oneembodiment of the present invention, is a QWERTY type keyboard having afull complement of keys. Keyboard 500 is disposed integral with keyboardsled 2001. It should be appreciated that because keyboard sled 2001 isconfigured to receive a portable computer system 100 in a landscape(horizontal) orientation, it has enabled the development of a largersized keyboard with larger sized keys, which therefore provides forimproved ergonomics.

In another embodiment of the present invention, keyboard portion 500 maybe configured as a half keyboard. The components, functions andprocesses that comprise a half keyboard are described in detail in thefollowing: “One-Handed Keyboard.” U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,158 issued Feb.22, 1994 by Matias, Edgar, all of which is incorporated herein byreference.

It should be further appreciated that in another embodiment of thepresent invention, keyboard sled 2001 may be configured with a wirelessmodem (see FIG. 8), such that wireless communication functionality isprovided to keyboard sled 2001 and portable computer 100. Accordingly,an antenna, indicated by dotted line 400, for providing transceivingcapabilities to keyboard sled 2001 would be included with keyboard sled2001. As such, because of the full sized keyboard and communicationfunctionality contained therein, responding to electronic mail is thatmuch simpler, quicker, and easier.

FIG. 6 shows keyboard sled 2002 in a front angled perspective view, inanother embodiment of the present invention. Shown is portable computersystem 100, analogous to portable computer system 100 of FIGS. 2, 3.Portable computer system 100 is oriented in a landscape (horizontal)mode. Because of display orientation controller 150, the data displayedon display screen 105 is easily readable.

In this embodiment of the present invention, keyboard sled 2002 is shownto include receiving portion 2000, which is adapted to receive aportable computer system in a landscape (horizontal) orientation. Alsoshown is interface connector 181, adapted to be coupled with interfaceconnector 180 of portable computer system 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3), whichprovides the communicative link between keyboard sled 2002 and portablecomputer system 100.

Also shown are mounting hooks 121 a and 121 b, which are adapted toprovide retentive functionality to keyboard sled 2002. For example, whenportable computer system 100 is coupled with keyboard sled 2002,mounting hooks 121 a and 121 b are disposed such that they areinsertable into mounting hook receiving slots 120 a and 120 b of FIG. 3.This provides positive retention of 100 portable computer system,thereby preventing portable computer system 100 from becominginadvertently disengaged from keyboard sled 2002.

Still with reference to FIG. 6, in this embodiment keyboard sled 2002 isconfigured with a data storage access slot 150 adapted to provide accessto optional data storage receptacle 140 of portable computer system 100of FIG. 3 when coupled with keyboard sled 2002. Data storage access slot150 is a pass through channel which allows a user to access data storagedevice receptacle 140 of portable computer system 100. By providingaccess slot 150, which, in one embodiment of the present invention, isdisposed upon the underneath side of keyboard sled 2002, a user is ableto insert and remove data storage devices such as, e.g., SD or MMC ormemory sticks into and out of data storage device receptacle 140 ofportable computer system 100 without disengaging computer system 100from keyboard sled 2002 to which it is coupled.

Also shown in FIG. 6 are left side keyboard portion 501L and right sidekeyboard portion 501R, respectively. It should be appreciated that afull complement of keys are present, although in this embodiment, thekey pad is divided into two halves. By providing a split style keyboard,a proper ergonomic position is provided to a user.

It should be further appreciated that although not shown in FIG. 6,keyboard sled 2002 could be, in another embodiment of the presentinvention, configured with a wireless modem (see FIG. 8), such thatwireless communication functionality is provided to keyboard sled 2002,analogous to the communication device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows keyboard sled 2002 configured as a gaming sled 2003, in afront angled perspective view, in another embodiment of the presentinvention. Shown is portable computer system 100, analogous to portablecomputer system 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Portable computer system 100 isoriented in a landscape (horizontal) mode. Because of displayorientation controller 150, the data displayed on display screen 105 iseasily readable.

In this embodiment of the present invention, gaming sled 2003 is shownto include receiving portion 2000, which is adapted to receive aportable computer system in a landscape (horizontal) orientation. Alsoshown is interface connector 181, adapted to be coupled with interfaceconnector 180 of portable computer system 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3), whichprovides the communicative link between gaming sled 2003 and portablecomputer system 100.

Also shown are mounting hooks 121 a and 121 b, which are adapted toprovide retentive functionality to gaming sled 2003. For example, whenportable computer system 100 is coupled with gaming sled 2003, mountinghooks 121 a and 121 b are disposed such that they are insertable intomounting hook receiving slots 120 a and 120 b of portable computersystem 100 of FIG. 3. This provides positive retention of 100 portablecomputer system, thereby preventing portable computer system 100 frombecoming inadvertently disengaged from gaming sled 2003.

Still with reference to FIG. 7, in this embodiment gaming sled 2003 isconfigured with a data storage access slot 150 adapted to provide accessto optional data storage receptacle 140 of portable computer system 100of FIG. 3 when coupled with gaming sled 2003. Data storage access slot150 is a pass through channel which allows a user to access data storagedevice receptacle 140 of portable computer system 100. By providingaccess slot 150, which, in one embodiment of the present invention, isdisposed upon the underneath side of gaming sled 2003, a user is able toinsert and remove data storage devices such as, e.g., SD or MMC ormemory sticks into and out of data storage device receptacle 140 ofportable computer system 100 without disengaging computer system 100from gaming sled 2003 to which it is coupled. Accordingly, when gamesare stored within an SD (secure digital card) for example, to changefrom one game to another, a user would simply remove one gaming SD cardand insert a new gaming SD card.

FIG. 7 also shows gaming sled 2003 having left side gaming portion 502Land right side gaming portion 502R. By providing a split style gamingsled, a proper ergonomic position is provided to a user. In theembodiment shown, a joystick type function knob 800 is shown as disposedupon left side gaming portion 502L. Multiple dedicated and/orprogrammable gaming function buttons 801 are shown as disposed uponright side gaming portion 502R.

It should be appreciated that multiple configurations of gaming buttons801 is possible. In one embodiment, more than the shown number ofbuttons may be disposed upon gaming portions 502L and 502R. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, less than the shown number ofbuttons may be present.

In yet another embodiment, dedicated and/or programmable gaming functionbuttons 801 may also be disposed upon the same side as joystick typefunction knob 800. In yet another embodiment, joystick type functionknob 800 could be disposed upon right side gaming portion 502R anddedicated and/or programmable gaming buttons 801 may be disposed uponleft side gaming portion 502L. Nearly any combination of buttons and/orknobs may be disposed on either side of gaming sled 2003.

It should be appreciated that in another embodiment of the presentinvention, gaming sled 2003 may be configured with a wireless modem (seeFIG. 8), such that wireless communication functionality is provided togaming sled 2003, analogous to the communication device of keyboard sled2001 of FIG. 5.

It should be further appreciated that in another embodiment of thepresent invention, keyboard sled 2002 and gaming sled 2003 may be of amodular construction. In this embodiment of the present invention, aprimary sled component having mounting hooks 121 a and 121 b, interfaceconnector 181, and data storage access slot is present. The primary sledcomponent is configured to receive and be coupled with keyboard halves501L and 501R of FIG. 6 and gaming halves 502L and 502R of FIG. 7.Accordingly, a user who is entering data via keyboard halves, 501L and501R, respectively, completes the desired data inputting, and now wishesto commence game playing. The user would remove the keyboard halves, andreplace them with gaming halves 502R and 502L, without having todisengage portable computer system 100.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustration of the circuitry and componentsof the keyboard and gaming sleds 2001, 2002, and 2003 of FIGS. 5, 6 and7, respectively, which can be implemented on and/or coupled with asystem board 2004 contained therein. System 2004 includes anaddress/data bus 800 for communicating information, an input controller801 coupled with the bus for processing instructions received fromalphanumeric input device 802 and gaming controls 810. In oneembodiment, alphanumeric input device 802 is the keyboard 500 portion ofkeyboard receiving sled 2001 of FIG. 5. In another embodiment,alphanumeric input device 802 is keyboard 501L and 501R of keyboardreceiving sled 2002 of FIG. 6.

Still referring to FIG. 8, system 2004 may also include a communicationcircuit 803, for providing wired and wireless communicationfunctionality to keyboard and gaming sleds 2001, 2002, and 2003. Alsoincluded is optional power supply 805, which is configured to providepower to sleds 2001, 2002, and 2003. In one embodiment, sleds 2001,2002, and 2003 are configured to operate utilizing the power supplyretained within a portable computer system, which can decrease thenormal operating time of the portable computer system. In anotherembodiment, sleds 2001, 2002, and 2003 are configured to operateutilizing their power supply. By providing an additional power supply,which may or may not be utilized at any given time, a user can extendthe operating time of the portable computer system, such that the rateof recharging or replacing the power supply is reduced. Also shown isinterface connector 181, of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 which is configured to becoupled with interface connector 180 of portable computer system 100, soas to provide communication between portable computer system 100 andsleds 2001, 2002, and 2003.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A portable computer system comprising: a processor; an alphanumericinput device coupled to said processor; a display coupled to saidprocessor; and an orientation controller coupled to said display, saidorientation controller is for changing the viewing orientation of saiddisplay from a first orientation to a second orientation based on anorientation of said portable computer system; wherein said portablecomputer system for coupling to a keyboard sled that comprises a datastorage access slot for enabling access to a data storage devicereceptacle of said portable computer system, wherein said keyboard sledcomprises a receiving portion for receiving said portable computer in alandscape orientation.
 2. The portable computer system of claim 1wherein said orientation controller comprises an automatic sensingcontroller.
 3. The portable computer system of claim 1 wherein saidorientation controller comprises a switch activated controller.
 4. Theportable computer system of claim 3 further comprising a dedicatedbutton for activating said orientation controller.
 5. The portablecomputer system of claim 3 further comprising a programmable button foractivating said orientation controller.
 6. The portable computer systemof claim 1 wherein said data storage access slot is a pass throughchannel.
 7. The portable computer system of claim 1 wherein saidkeyboard sled comprises an interface connector disposed within areceiving portion and for providing a communicative link with saidportable computer system.
 8. The portable computer system of claim 1wherein said keyboard sled comprises a mounting mechanism disposedwithin a receiving portion, said mounting mechanism for providingpositive retention on said portable computer system.
 9. A portablecomputer system comprising: a keyboard having a first orientation and asecond orientation; a display movably coupled to said keyboard, saiddisplay aligned with said keyboard; and an orientation controllercoupled to said display, said orientation controller for changing theviewing orientation of said display from a first orientation to a secondorientation based on the orientation of said portable computer system.10. The portable computer system of claim 9 further comprising aprocessor coupled to said display and said orientation controller. 11.The portable computer system of claim 10 wherein said orientationcontroller comprises an automatic sensing controller.
 12. The portablecomputer system of claim 10 wherein said orientation controllercomprises a switch activated controller.
 13. The portable computersystem of claim 10 further comprising a programmable button foractivating said orientation controller.
 14. The portable computer systemof claim 9 wherein said keyboard comprises a QWERTY keyboard.
 15. Theportable computer system of claim 9 wherein said keyboard comprises afirst portion and a second portion that are separated by said display.16. The portable computer system of claim 9 further comprising a datastorage device receptacle.
 17. The portable computer system of claim 9wherein said display is vertically aligned with said keyboard.